Windshield cleaner



June 8 1926. 19581554 R. A. RODRICK v WINDSHIELD CLEANER Filed Oct. l, 1924 attorney 4 Patented Julie s, 1926.

" UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RAYMOND A. RoDnIoK, oF AKRON, omo, AssIGNon To H11/:SELF AND CLARENCE W. .l WHITE, or AxnoN, omo.

WINDSHIELD CLEAILYER.

Application filed October 1, 1924.. Serial No. 741,087. I

, This invention relates to wind-shield cleaning devicesand has particular reference to a device for cleaning the windshields ofjauQmObiles or other vehicles.

Objects-'of the invention are to provide an automatically operable cleaning device of simple, durable construction, which may be manufactured at a ylow cost-and which inuse will provide efficient means whereby 1 the full width of a wind-shield or other window may be` kept clean from rain or power.

snow or other substance.

Further objects are to provide a cleanerin which a vertical wiping member may be driven in a reciprocatory movement across the glass and to provide new and improved mounting means for said wiping member whereby it will be freelyv movable and may be driven with a minimum amount of Additional objects are to rovide a simple, economical screw shaft or drivinga mounting member; to provide new and improved means for mounting a pair of screw shafts in parallel spaced relation; to provide improved means for driving said shafts and to provide improved tripping means whereby the mounting carriage may be alternately engaged with said screw shafts, whereby the same may be driven in a reciprocatory movement across'the face of the glass.

The above objects are accomplished and additional ends attained by the novel construction, combination and arrangement o parts hereinafter described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein I have shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, it being ,understood that the. invention is capable of various adaptations and that changes and modifications may be made or substitutions resorted to which come within the scope of the claims hereunto a pended.

In t e drawings in which like characters of reference are used to denote like parts as the same may appear in any of the sevoral views and in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view showing a portion of a wind shield with my improved device mounted' thereon, the same being shown with parts broken away and with the cleaning .arm removed.-

Figure 2 is a central, vertical, sectional view taken as indicated by the lines 2-2. of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a horizontal, sectional view takei as indicatedby the lines 3-3 of Figure Figure 4 is a vertical, sectional view taken as indicated by the lines 4---4` of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a horizontal, sectional view taken as indicated by the lines 5-5 of Figure In. the particular adaptation of the in-A ventlon shown inthe drawing, the numeral 7 denotes a rectangular casing which is suitably secured to the frame 8 of the windshield' 9.I The casing 7 is trough-sha ed 7d and the opposite end of the casing .is`

closed by the gear box 10 which is suitably secured thereto by screws or other suitable means. The numeral 11v denotes a centrally positioned ridge which projects upwardly rom the bottom 7b of the casing 7 and extends longitudinally thereof. The numerals 14 and 15 denote parallel shafts which are mounted in spaced relation inthe casing 7. The reduced end 14 of the shaft 14 is `mounted in the bore 13 in the wall 7l and the reduced end 'l of the shaft 15 is mounted in the bore 12 in the end wall 7.l Both the shafts 14 and- 15 extend longif tudinally throu h the casimg 7. ,The other vother end of the shaft 15 being mounted in a bore 10b in said wall. The numeral 16 denotes a wire which is wound spirally around each of the shafts 14 and 15. The wire is welded or otherwise suitably secured in position on said shafts, thereby providing two p'arallely arranged s iral screws. The lid 10 of the gear box 0 is provided at points "in axial alinement with the bores 10a and 10b with the bosses 10*l and 1G". Each boss is provided with a suitable bore and a shortv shaft 17 is mounted in the bore in the boss 10,- 'the shaft beingmounted in the bore 10. A like shaft 18 is mounted in the bore in the boss 10e', the other'lend of the shaft the other end of being mounted in the bore 10". Each of the shafts 17 and 18 are rovided on the inner ends thereof with dlametrieally arranged slots 19 and each of the shafts 14 and 15 are provided with a diametrically arranged lug 20, the lugs 20 being positioned in the slots 1 9 whereby a drivingconnection is maintained between the shaft 17 and the shaft 14 and a like connection is maintained between the shaft 18 and the shaft 15.

The numeral 21 denotes a worm gear which is mounted on lthe shaft 17 and the numeral 22 denotes a vworm gear which is mounted on the shaft 18. The numeral 23 denotes a vertical shaft which is journaled in the box 10 and which is provided with a worm 24 which is operatively engaged with the worm gears 21 and 22 whereby a rotation of the shaft 23 will operate the wheels- 21 and 22 in opposite directions thereby driving the shafts 14 and 15 in opposite directions. Y

The rear wall 7 is relatively higher than the forward wall 7B. the forward wall 7S are preferably formed in one piece and form a lid for the casing 7. The forward wall 7 S projects downwardly to a plane in spaced relation to the upper edge of the wall 7 thereby forming a slot 25 in the forward edge of the casing 7, the purpose of which will presently appear.

The forward Iwall 7a is provided on the interior face thereof with a longitudinally extending groove 26. The rear wall 7 is likewise provided on the interior face thereof with a longitudinally extending groove 27. The numeral 28 denotes a carrier which comprises a rectangular member slidably mounted in the cavity 7 'of the trough 7 in a position just above the shafts 14 and 15. The carrier 28 is provided on both the forward and rear sides thereof with a row of balls 29, the balls being received in the grooves 26 and 27whereby the carrier 28 may be easily moved longitudinally of the casing 7. l

The numeral 30 denotes a spur which is preferably mounted in a central position on the carriage 28 so as ,to be movable on an axis running in parallel relation to the axis of the shafts 14 and 15. The lower end of the spur 30 may be moved into engagement with the wire 16 on the shaft. 15 or moved into engagement with the wire 16 on the shaft 14. The reference characters 28 and 28b denote sidemembers, each projecting upwardly from the carriage 28. The characters 28 denote a U-shaped lever, one' member of which is pivotally mounted on the side member 28b and the other end of which is pivotally mounted on the side member 28, so as to be movable on an axis running in parallel relation to the axis of the shafts 14 and 15. The reference character 28r1 is used to denote an oppositely positioned U- The top wall v7t and' shaped member which is similar to the member 28 and is pivotally mounted for movement on the same axis. The member 28 pro'- jects upwardly from the frame 28 and the member 28d projects downwardly between the side members 28 and 28h. The member 28c is provided with a loop 32 andthe member 28d is provided with the hooks 33 and 34 and the coil springs 35 and 36 are operatively mounted between the members 28 and 28. The upwardly projecting end of the spur 30 is provided with a fork adapted to receive the lower side of the member 28d.

It will thus be seen that the springs 35 and 36 will hold the members 28d either in a forward or rearward position and that the member 28 when moved past the center will cause a movement of the member 28d, thus a forward movement of the-lever 28c will cause a rearward movement of the lever in the spur member 30, causing the spur to engage the wire 16 on the shaft 15 and an opposite movement of the member 28 will cause the spur member 30 to engage the wire 16 on the shaft 14. The member 28 is provided at the upper end thereof with a loop in which is received a wire 37. The wire 37 is secured at one en thereof to a suitable bracket 38 which is secured to the inner wall of the gear box 10 at a point adjacent the forward edge thereof. The wire 37 runs diagonally through the casing 7,- the other end thereof being anchored to the bracket 39 which is secured to the wall 7d at a point adjacent the rear edge thereof.

In order to secure a silently operable device and to prevent undue vibration of the shafts 14 and 15, the bottom and a portion of the side walls of the cavity 7 is lined with leather 7h or other flexible material. The shafts 14 and 15 are positioned with the wire 16 in contact with the lining. A quantity of oil or other lubricant is carried in the cavity 7 to avoid undue friction on the lining 7h.

While any suitable means may be employed for driving the shaft 23, l have shown a motor 40 connected directly to the shaft 23.

The carrier 28 is provided with the strip 41 which projects forwardly therefrom and extends through the slot 25. The strip projects downwardly in parallel spaced relation to the forward edge of the wall 7 and rearwardly to a point in spaced relation to the glass 9. An arm 42 is suitably secured to the lower end of the stri p 41 and a vertical cleaner 43 is suitably secured to the lower end of said arm. The cleaner blade 43 is preferably provided with a rubber squeegee 44 which is in contact with the glass 9.

In operation, lthe motor 40 will drive the shaft 23 causing the shafts'l'l and 15 to rotate in opposite directions. The springs 35 and 36 hold the spur 30 in operative enllO lili.)

flU

, caslng 7, themember 28 is-gradually moved to an opposite position by the wire 37. As the carriage approaches the vother end'of the casing 7 the position of the wire 37 will'cause the member 2Sc to be moved past f the center of the member 28l thereby causing the member 28d to instantly move to its opposite position and thereby engaging the spur 30 with the wire 16 on the opposite vshaft and causing the carriage 28 to move in an opposite direction.

It will` thusbe seen that a continued operation of the motor will cause a reciprocatory movement of the cleaning blade 43.

Having thus illustrated my invention and described the same in detail, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters lPatent is 1,. ln a device 'of the class described, a suitable casing, said casing provided with a longitudinally directed slot, a pair of shafts, each of said shafts comprising a rod havin a wire wound spirally therearound an secured thereto, said shafts rotatably mounted in parallel spaced relation in said casing, so as to extend longitudinally thereof, means to rotate the shafts, aI track in said casing, a carriage mounted in .said track for movement longitudinally of said casing, a spur on said carriage, means to Shift said spur into` engagementwith the wire on either of said shafts, said means operable as the carriage is moved te a point adjacent each end of said casing 'and an arm secured to said carriage and projecting from said slot.

2. ln a device of the class described, a suitable casing, spaced parallel 'shafts in said casing, a wireiwound spirally around each shaft and secured thereto, means to rotate said shafts in opposite directions, said casing provided in the front and rear walls thereof with a longitudinally directed groove, a carriage mounted in said grooves for movement longitudinally of saidcasing, a spur on said carriage, means to shift said spur into engagement with the'wire on either ojf said shafts, said means operable as the carriage is moved to a point-.adjacent each end of said casing, an arm projecting from said carriage and means to secure a reciprocating element to said arm.

3. ln a device of the class described, `a suitable casing, a pair of parallel, spaced shafts rotatably mounted in said casing and extending longitudinally thereof in approximately the same horizontal plane, a wire wound spirally around each shaft` the wire on cach shaftcontacting with the bottom of the'casing, means to rotate said shafts, a track extending 'longitudinally of said' casing, a carriage mounted on said track, a

spur shiftably ymounted on said carriage,

means to yieldably hold said spur in engage.v

ment with the spiral wire onone of said shafts to cause a movement of said carriage in one direction, means to shift said spur into yielding engagement with the wire on the other shaft, said shifting means auto`- matically operable when the carriage has been driven to the end of its movement in either direction; an arm mounted on said carriage and projecting from said casing and means to secure a 'reciprocating element to said arm.

4. A device of the class described, comprising a pair of rotatable screws mounted in said ca sing, each of said screws supported over its entire length by the' lower wall of said casing, means for rotating the said screws in opposite directions, said casing vprovided With'a groove in each side wall thereof, a carriage mounted in said casing independently of said shafts, said carriage provided on each side thereof with a. plurality of balls, said balls being received in said grooves, a spurvon said carriage, said spur being shiftable from each of said screws to the other; means to shift said spur, said means being automatically operable as the carriage reaches a point adjacent each end of said casing.

5. A device of the class described comprising a casing, a track in said casing, a carriage mounted in said track, said ,carriage carrying an arm, said arm projecting from said casing, a pair of parallel screws 1n said casing, each ofsaid screws supported ieoI on the bottom thereof, means to revolve said screws, a spur on said carriage, said spur movable into engagement with either ofsaid screws; a lever adapted to operate said Spur, an eye in the free end of said lever, a wire positioned in said casing and extending longitudinally thereof at an inclination to said otrack, said wire extending through the eye 1n said lever whereby a movement of said carriage will cause said lever to automatically operate said spur.

A6. ln a. device of the class described, a casing, a track extending longitudinally thereof, a carriage mounted on said track. a reciprocating element connected to said carriage, a pair of parallel screws mounted in said casing in the same horizontal plane below said carriage, means to revolve said screws, a spur on saidcarriage, said spur movable into engagement with either of said screws; a lever adapted to operate said spur and a wire positioned in said casing and extending longitudinally thereof at an inclination to said track, said wire connected to the free endof said lever.

7. ln a device of the class described, an elongated casing. a pair of parallel longitudinally directed seats in the lower wall of said casing, a shaft supported in each of said spur, said means operable as the carriage reaches a point ad]acent either endI of said casing. l,

8. In a device of the class described, an elongated casing having parallel walls, each Wall having a groove on the inner face thereof, a carriage mounted between said walls, rotary elements associated with said carriage and seated in said grooves, a pair of parallel screws in the bottom of said casing, means to rotate said screws, a spur on said carriage, said spur movable into operative engagement with either of said screws and means to operate said spur, said means being automatically oper-able as the carriage reaches each end of 'said casing.

9. In a device of the class described, an elongated casing having parallel walls, each wall provided on the interior face thereof with a longitudinally directed oove, a carriage mounted between said wa 1s, a plurality of rotary elements on the carriage, said rotary elements seated in said grooves, a parallelly arranged pair ofv shafts supported over the entire length thereof by the bottom of said casing, a wire wound spirally around each shaft, a spur on saidy carriage, said Spur movable into`operative engagement with the wire' on either ofv said shafts, a lever, a spring connection between 'lever in the other direction as the said lever and said spur, means to operate said lever in one direction as the carriage reaches a oint adjacent one end of the casing, saidp means arranged to operate the carriage reaches the other end of the casing.

10'. In a device of the class described, an elongated casing, a centrally positioned, longltudinally directed ridge projecting upwardly into said casing from the bottom wall thereof, ascrew shaft supported by said bottom wall and rotatably mounted in said casing on each side of said ridge; said casing provided in the front and rear walls thereof with longitudinally directed guide channels, a carriage slidably mounted 1n said channels for movement longitudinally of said casing, a spur on said carriage,

-said spur shiftable from one of said screws to the other and means to shift said spur, said means operable as the carriage is driven by one of said screws to either end of said casing.

11. In a device of the. class described, an elongated easing having a bottom formed to provide two parallel, longitudinally extending seats, a screw shaft mounted in each seat with the ends thereof rotatably secured inthe end walls of said casing, a drive shaft connected by a universal joint to the like endsof each screw shaft, a track in said casing, a carriage mounted on said track, an arm secured to said carriage and projecting from said casing, a spur on said carriage and means to automatically shift said spur from one shaft to the other.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

'RAYMOND A. RODRICK. 

